FWIW:
I wholeheartedly agree with Deezul 1, the CTD literally only has to turn over what seems like 1/2 a revolution and it's started and idling. So with many miles on the clock... . the contacts see lots of use and abuse while the starter motor itself isn't getting the poop beat out of it.
Mine cranks longer than most..... I bet I have to hold the key for a second or two. Here goes a really bad attempt at an audible description of how it sounds: it goes..... "torwlll, ti, ti, ti" and then fires and idles. Most CTD trucks go: "torwlll" and then fire and idle.
I'm thinking I have some minor problems with my CTD... . but I don't trust anyone to touch it but me, and I'm still learnin'!
Matt